Terpenes may not be the only ones responsible for the distinctive aroma of cannabis, and labeling products may mislead consumers or producers to think so, according to the findings of a new study. In a recent publication in the American Chemical Society's journal Omega, researchers from Abstrax Tech, a U.S. company focused on aromatic compounds from cannabis and other plants, argue that although terpenes play a role in defining the distinct aroma of cannabis strains at a general level, their importance is overstated.
The researchers discovered that numerous minor non-terpenoid compounds are closely associated with atypical sweet or savory scents produced by cannabis.
In particular, the authors of this study identified a novel class of volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the unique aromas of cannabis, which complement and enhance the terpenes' aromatic effects.
The findings of this study are relevant because consumer preferences are impacted by a product's aroma, in addition to its THC potency, making terpenes, described as a diverse range of compounds responsible for the cannabis aroma, a secondary distinguishing factor in the cannabis consumer choice.
Read more at forbes.com